In HABIT-CHANGE the development of a conceptual impact model that helps
to identify drivers and pressures as well as their interaction was an integrated part of
the assessment. However, there are also good reasons to include it as an individual
step (e.g. Cross et al. 2012; Rannow 2011).
Based on the experience gained in the project, we consider the framework as a
basic structure. Protected area managers may select and add elements from the
plethora of frameworks that they consider useful for their specific situation. The
willingness to adapt is more important than the strict application of any framework,
guideline or handbook. At present, experimenting as well as learning by doing still
plays a fundamental role in the adaptation of conservation management. Climate
adaptation is as much a social learning process as it is a science-based procedure. It
has to be considered a continuous process as knowledge about climate change, its
impacts and the effectiveness of management will grow. In this context, Adaptive
Management is a promising concept for gaining new knowledge and adjusting
conservation efforts to changing conditions on the local level.
However, the time to initiate the adaptation process is now. Several areas have
learned that climate impacts are already evident on the local level and management
strategies and measures need to be adapted. Some management activities might even
become superfluous with changing climate conditions. Especially when it comes to
large restoration projects, the consideration of climate impacts is crucial for their long
term success and changes might be necessary to ensure their effectiveness.
Early adaptation can help to reduce financial loss and preparedness can help to
save money otherwise necessary for expensive emergency actions. In addition, there
is a great wealth of local knowledge and a plethora of readily available research
results, so that adaptation processes can be initiated without extensive investments or
modelling efforts. Nevertheless, adaptation to climate change does not come free
of charge. Adaptation of protected area management to climate change requires
financial and methodological assistance. Many elements of the adaptation process
cannot be implemented by protected area management alone. Support needs to be
provided by scientific, regional or national partners. Management of protected areas
faces the challenge of establishing new coalitions and strong cooperations in order
to make adaptation work.
20.4 Lessons Learned from Stakeholder Involvement
and Awareness Raising
The conservation status of many habitats is influenced by current land use practices
like agriculture, forestry or tourism and their intensity. Most protected habitats can
only be maintained through cooperation between protected area management and
land users. Especially in the context of the cultural landscapes of Europe, only a few
core zones in strictly protected areas like National Parks are solely dedicated to the
conservation of natural habitats and exclusively managed by protected area
296
S. Rannow et al.
to identify drivers and pressures as well as their interaction was an integrated part of
the assessment. However, there are also good reasons to include it as an individual
step (e.g. Cross et al. 2012; Rannow 2011).
Based on the experience gained in the project, we consider the framework as a
basic structure. Protected area managers may select and add elements from the
plethora of frameworks that they consider useful for their specific situation. The
willingness to adapt is more important than the strict application of any framework,
guideline or handbook. At present, experimenting as well as learning by doing still
plays a fundamental role in the adaptation of conservation management. Climate
adaptation is as much a social learning process as it is a science-based procedure. It
has to be considered a continuous process as knowledge about climate change, its
impacts and the effectiveness of management will grow. In this context, Adaptive
Management is a promising concept for gaining new knowledge and adjusting
conservation efforts to changing conditions on the local level.
However, the time to initiate the adaptation process is now. Several areas have
learned that climate impacts are already evident on the local level and management
strategies and measures need to be adapted. Some management activities might even
become superfluous with changing climate conditions. Especially when it comes to
large restoration projects, the consideration of climate impacts is crucial for their long
term success and changes might be necessary to ensure their effectiveness.
Early adaptation can help to reduce financial loss and preparedness can help to
save money otherwise necessary for expensive emergency actions. In addition, there
is a great wealth of local knowledge and a plethora of readily available research
results, so that adaptation processes can be initiated without extensive investments or
modelling efforts. Nevertheless, adaptation to climate change does not come free
of charge. Adaptation of protected area management to climate change requires
financial and methodological assistance. Many elements of the adaptation process
cannot be implemented by protected area management alone. Support needs to be
provided by scientific, regional or national partners. Management of protected areas
faces the challenge of establishing new coalitions and strong cooperations in order
to make adaptation work.
20.4 Lessons Learned from Stakeholder Involvement
and Awareness Raising
The conservation status of many habitats is influenced by current land use practices
like agriculture, forestry or tourism and their intensity. Most protected habitats can
only be maintained through cooperation between protected area management and
land users. Especially in the context of the cultural landscapes of Europe, only a few
core zones in strictly protected areas like National Parks are solely dedicated to the
conservation of natural habitats and exclusively managed by protected area
296
S. Rannow et al.